I’m planning to add several Fall-themed activities that emphasize fine motor skills in my classroom. Here is the first.
To do this activity, draw a pumpkin or leaf shape on a plain white paper towel using a permanent black marker, like a Sharpie. It must be permanent ink, not a regular black marker. I just free-handed the shapes when I drew them. Use liquid watercolor (mine is Colorations from Discount School Supply), or food color. Pour the watercolor into a paint palette or small dish. Children will use medicine droppers to squeeze drops of watercolor onto the paper towel.
The watercolor will spread outside of the outline, but that’s okay. The point is to have fun while exercising the fine motor muscles.
Tip: place paper underneath the paper towel to soak up the extra watercolor because it will bleed through onto the table.
Find more Fall Fine Motor Activities in the series
- Fall Activity 2: Toothpick Punch
- Fall Activity 3: Seeds & Tweezers
- Fall Activity 4: Spooning
- Fall Activity 5: Sand Art
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We just did a project very similar to this over the weekend. I’ll be posting it later this week (hopefully Wednesday). I love your idea of using droppers and food coloring – much more vivid colors than the markers and spray bottle we used! Beautiful pictures! 🙂
I like doing this activity with jumbo coffee filters! 🙂 I LOVE all of your ideas.
Hello from Russia!
Can I quote a post in your blog with the link to you?
I will try this idea on Monday is going to be a lot of fun for my preschoolers.
Thanks!
I like your site very much which I am going to use in near future in my newly opening pre-school.
I love Liquid Water Color from Discount – I use it for everything to color noodles to rice to play dough. It is fantastic stuff and washes right out of everything
I agree, Mindy! 🙂
I am a new teacher to Pre-K. Thank you for your ideas.
I love this! I have linked to it on my pre-school lesson blog. I love the simplicity. They come out really beautiful. Thank you!
Wow! I’m so glad I found your site. My 4 year old son is struggling with his fine motor skills. It appears he’s not interested in doing things that require that skill to be developed. I found at least 7 activities that hopefully will spark his interest. His other skills have developed well and I was getting a little discouraged by finding this out from his teacher. Thanks for the ideas!
I love ur site. And I am using these ideas for my son.